The New Orleans Saints are interested in former Kansas City Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel as a candidate for their defensive coordinator opening, according to various media reports.

Payton fired Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator Thursday and announced he would change his defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme. That move would provide a good fit for Crennel, who has run successful 3-4 schemes in past coordinator jobs with the New England Patriots and Chiefs.

Crennel, 65, was defensive coordinator of the Patriots for all three of their Super Bowl victories during his four years with the team.

ESPN reported that the Saints also have interest in former New York Jets and Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini for the coordinator job. ProFootballTalk.com reported that Crennel is the preferred choice.